The Old Wellingburian Lodge No 5570 hosts the 61st Annual Festival of The Federation School Lodges

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By the kind permission of the Headmaster and Governors of Wellingborough School the OW Lodge, on Saturday 6th September, had the privilege of hosting the 61st Annual Festival of the National Federation of School Lodges. When we were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Wellingborough Councillor Mrs E Higgins, The Headmaster. Mr Garry Bowe and the Provincial Grand Master together with over 200 distinguished Masons from Old Boys’ Lodges from across England and Wales coming from as far as Cardiff, Truro, and York, together with 60 wives and partners.

The day commenced with a rousing Service of Thanksgiving in the School Chapel, where the Headmaster and the WM, W.Bro Jerry Higgins read the lessons, symbolically showing the close association of the Lodge with the School. This was followed by a Lodge meeting in the afternoon in the School Hall where, in a glittering ceremony, the new Lodge Banner was dedicated and a past masters Board unveiled by The Provincial Grand Master. In the presence of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Watyne Williams, a past Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, The President of the Federation V W Bro Jeffrey Gillyon, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire, North and East Ridings, and over 30 Active and Past Grand Lodge Officers and some 170 Brethren. W. Bro Brian Huckle then gave an interesting and highly entertaining talk about the history of Wellingborough and some of his reminiscences of his time at the school and his early memories of journeys to Lodge in London. The Ladies in the meantime enjoyed a private tour of Boughton House followed by a cream tea.

The day ended with Dinner in the newly refurbished School Dining Hall where all enjoyed a most splendid meal and very enjoyable company. We thank members of The School Staff, Wellingborough Masonic Centre, the School CCF and the School Prefects in helping us to stage a truly magnificent Masonic occasion. (Despite the appalling weather!)

Founded in 1947, we are an organisation that exists to promote links between masonic lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England which derive their membership from those with a connection to a school.